Carroll County Economic Development Executive Director Daryl Smith's requested that Flora authorize an environmental study at Monday night's town council meeting. He said the study is needed to apply for Stimulus funds to improve the wastewater system.

The town needs both an income study, which it already has, and environmental study to apply for funding.

Smith said that the CCEDC is looking at joining a regional planning commission that will help with grant submissions.

He invited the council to send a representative to a meeting on April 22 where county economic development goals will be discussed.

County ambulance service

Burlington Township Trustee Al Jackson asked the town to consider participating in a three to fiveyear program to enhance the county's ambulance service. The program would include townships and the county's city and four towns.

Following recent county budget cuts, the county service is now operating with two ambulances, one based in Flora and another in Delphi. Jackson said the goal is to add two chase vehicles at an additional cost of approximately $75,000 per year.

He said Carroll is one of only a few counties in the state without a hospital.

Jackson said a committee was put together by the county council to look into ways to improve/enhance the service and he is a part of that committee.

In response to a question by council member Vince Seward, Jackson said that the goal is to manage the program in such a way that it is not a financial burden on any one entity.

"I'm just bringing this concept to you to consider," Jackson said. He added that other options will be explored and the council will be updated on the committee's recommendations.

Resolution adopted

Town officials adopted Resolution 2009-01 on global warming and climate change. Through the resolution, the town supports a cap and trade approach to address global warming and reduce emissions of carbon dioxide. Town officials request residents to contact their members of Congress in support of the resolution. Indiana and states throughout the Midwest receive electrical power from coal generation.

Police department

The police department's report for March included 9 arrests/misdemeanors, 5 felonies, 44 citations, 3 parking violations, 50 warnings, 84 calls for service, 3 accidents and 3 warrants served.

Marshal Paul Redmon announced that one of his officers, Josh Disinger, was commended by the Governor's Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving for his work during Blitz 58, an effort to enforce strict seat belt enforcement.

Council president Josh Ayres also commended Disinger for his heroic efforts to help rescue a man trapped in his burning apartment Sunday evening.

Other business

Officials reviewed three bids for a bucket truck for the electric department. Utility Truck Equipment's low bid of $96,950 for a used 2008 Chevrolet demonstrator model was approved. Three bids were also reviewed for the town's 1990 bucket truck with T&M's high bid of $6,550 approved.

In an effort to update the town's service lines, the Utilities Department has been setting new poles where needed and changing out wires and connections. The department will also flush hydrants and exercise valves as time and weather permits in April.

The council recommended residents visit www.IMPA.com, click on "energy calculator," for personal energy audits.

Town attorney Dick T. Bishop said that the Community YMCA has secured financing and for that to go through, the property needs to be zoned general business. The council urged Bishop to go forward with the change in zoning.

There has been no response from the public to assist with the Complete Count Committee for the 2010 Census.

Getting the count right is important because the number of residents will impact the amount of federal monies that the town receives for 10 years, said clerk-treasurer Joretta Tinsman. Each person counts for $4,000.

Anyone needing more information or interested in serving on the committee should contact the town office.

The council decided not to proceed with an electric utility rate study after learning quotes for the study ranged from $7,500 to $13,500.

"I didn't realize the quotes would be so expensive," said Ayres.

It was council consensus that it is not imperative that the study be done at this time.

The council did approve spending $7,500 to determine the town and utilities assets. This is another process that needs to be done in order to apply for grant funding, explained Tinsman.

A pay increase for the Senior Center employee was approved for $7.50 per hour.

The town's telephone system that includes the town office, police, and substations has reached its end of life. Quotes will be sought to review in the near future. Possible bundling the package with DSL will be explored.

The town's 2008 John Deere 720 mower will be traded in for a 2009 model. The new mower is valued at $9,023, while the trade-in model is valued at $6,578, for a difference of $2,475.

Joshua and Melissa Ayres were issued a building permit in March for a swimming pool and fence.

The Volunteer Fire Department received a check in the amount of $1,300 from The Andersons as reimbursement for lost/damaged equipment for the local VFD's help with a recent cob fire.

Jerry Burns has begun work on the park. Morgan Yoder will return as summer help.

Tony Griffin was given permission to use the west side town parking lot on April 11.

Spring town clean-up will be May 1 and 2. All trash must be out by the curb at 7 a.m. Friday.

The next meeting will be May 4 at 6 p.m.